JP2012053856A - Image delivery system, image processing device, image processing method, image processing program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify a user's operation by allowing cooperation between an image delivery system and a library operation management system.SOLUTION: An image delivery system that stores bibliographic information of books and is connected to an operation management system for managing operations of a library via a network, comprises: scanning means for scanning part of a book to generate image data; acquisition means for acquiring bibliographic information corresponding to the scanned book from the operation management system using information contained in the image data generated by the scanning means; and delivery means for delivering image data to which the bibliographic information acquired by the acquisition means is added.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image distribution system, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, an image processing program, and a recording medium.

  In recent years, in many companies, the arrangement and connection of image input / output devices such as multi-function multifunction devices on a network has been progressing. Image input / output devices play a major role as means for improving business efficiency. Particularly, an image distribution system that efficiently digitizes and distributes paper documents is important.

  Major elements constituting the image distribution system are an image input device (for example, a scanner) and an image distribution apparatus. In the image distribution apparatus, a plurality of distribution processing menus are registered in advance for various businesses and applications. The user scans by selecting a processing menu suitable for the job from the operation panel of the scanner.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that enables bibliographic information to be input and performs distribution processing by adding bibliographic information to image data when distributing image data acquired by reading a document.

  On the other hand, due to the remarkable development of information-related technologies such as computers and networks in recent years, various information related to books using computers etc. has also been acquired and managed in libraries. Is underway.

  For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that makes it possible to construct a work workflow that matches the operation of a library and makes it easy to manage the work status in the library.

  By the way, the image distribution system of Patent Document 1 needs to input bibliographic information of image data on the operation panel of the MFP, which complicates complicated processing for the user.

  In addition, the library information management system described in Patent Document 2 requires a library staff having specialized knowledge, and the library staff needs to input bibliographic information of the books one by one in the input items, making the library work complicated. ing.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is an image distribution system, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a mechanism for simplifying a user's work in cooperation with a library business management system. An object is to provide an image processing program and a recording medium.

  An image distribution system according to one aspect of the present invention is an image distribution system that stores bibliographic information of a book and is connected via a network to a business management system that manages business of a library, and reads a part of the book. Reading means for generating image data, acquisition means for acquiring bibliographic information corresponding to the read book from the business management system using information included in the image data generated by the reading means, and the acquisition A distribution unit that distributes the image data to which the bibliographic information obtained by the unit is attached; a recognition processing unit that performs character recognition processing on the generated image data; The information recognized by the processing means is set as the bibliographic information of the book, and the bibliographic information is requested to be registered in the business management system. A requesting means, a user information obtaining means for obtaining user information for identifying the user, and when the lending process is selected by the user, the user information obtained by the user information obtaining means and the character recognition by the recognition processing means Lending request means for associating the bibliographic information of the associated books and requesting the business management system to perform lending processing using the associated user information and the bibliographic information.

  An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that stores bibliographic information of books and is connected to a business management system that manages business of a library and an image forming apparatus via a network, A first acquisition unit that acquires image data generated by reading a part of a book from the image forming apparatus, and information that is included in the image data acquired by the acquisition unit is read from the business management system. A second acquisition unit for acquiring bibliographic information corresponding to the book, a distribution unit for distributing the image data provided with the bibliographic information acquired by the second acquisition unit, and a character in the generated image data. Recognition processing means for performing recognition processing, and information recognized by the recognition processing means as the bibliographic information of the book, and the business management to perform registration processing of the bibliographic information. Registration request means for requesting the system, user information acquisition means for acquiring user information for identifying a user from the image forming apparatus, and when the user selects a lending process, the user information acquisition means acquires the user information. Lending request means for associating user information and bibliographic information of a book recognized by the recognition processing means, and requesting the business management system to perform lending processing using the associated user information and bibliographic information; Prepare.

  An image processing method according to another aspect of the present invention is an image processing method in an image distribution system that stores bibliographic information of books and is connected via a network to a business management system that manages the business of a library. A bibliographic information corresponding to the read book is acquired from the business management system using a reading step of reading a part of the book to generate image data and information included in the image data generated by the reading step. An acquisition step, a distribution step of distributing the image data provided with the bibliographic information acquired in the acquisition step, a recognition processing step of performing character recognition processing on the generated image data, and the recognition processing step. The task management system is configured so that character-recognized information is used as the bibliographic information of the book, and the bibliographic information is registered. A user information acquisition step for obtaining user information for identifying a user, and a user information acquisition step when a lending process is selected by the user. Requesting the business management system to perform a lending process using the associated user information and the bibliographic information, associating the user information acquired by the above and the bibliographic information of the book whose characters have been recognized by the recognition processing step, Providing a process related to a business lending business.

  The present invention can also be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described method and a computer-readable recording medium that records the program.

  According to the present invention, the image distribution system and the library business management system can be linked to simplify the user's work.

The figure which shows an example of the system in an Example. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the MFP in the embodiment. The block diagram which shows an example of the hardware of the image delivery apparatus in an Example. The block diagram which shows an example of the function of the business management server in an Example. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of the MFP in the embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the page in which bibliographic information was described. The figure which shows an example of a library business selection screen. The block diagram which shows an example of the function of the image delivery apparatus in an Example. The flowchart which shows an example of the image delivery process in an Example. The flowchart which shows an example of the process which supports the operation | work of a library.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, an image input device for inputting image data will be described by taking a multifunction peripheral (MFP) equipped with a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function in one casing as an example. .

[Example]
<System and hardware>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a library business management system 1 and an image distribution system 2 are connected via a network.

  The library business management system 1 includes a business management server 30 including information processing terminals (PCs) 10 and 20 and a DB (Data Base). The image distribution system 2 includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 40 and an image distribution apparatus (distribution server) 50. The image distribution device 50 is also an image processing device in the sense of processing an image. In this embodiment, cooperation between the library business management system 1 and the image distribution system 2 is attempted, and the work in each system is simplified.

  The information processing terminals 10 and 20 are client terminals in the library business management system 1. The information processing terminals 10 and 20 access the business management server 30 and execute library business such as book acceptance processing, lending processing, return processing, and search processing of the business management server 30.

  The business management server 30 includes a DB that manages bibliographic information of books and the like, and has applications that execute functions in library business.

  The MFP 40 has a scan function, a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like mounted in one housing. The MFP 40 scans a paper medium or the like with the scanner function to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data to the image distribution device 50. Details of the MFP 40 will be described later. The image data includes document image data.

  The image distribution device 50 is a computer such as a workstation that receives image data scanned by the MFP 40 and executes various processes and distribution processes according to a specified distribution flow. The distribution flow includes mail transmission, FAX transmission, folder distribution, and the like.

  The image distribution device 50 is a server that executes a distribution flow based on input image data, and executes document accumulation or distribution processing according to the distribution flow constructed by the user. Details of the image distribution device 50 will be described later. Note that the image distribution device 50 may be incorporated in the MFP 40.

  Note that the number of MFPs, servers, and information processing terminals connected via a network may be any number. Further, the image distribution system 2 may include a mail distribution server.

  The hardware of the MFP 40 and the image distribution device 50 in the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the MFP 40 in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 40 includes a control unit 41, a main storage unit 42, an auxiliary storage unit 43, an external recording device I / F unit 44, a network I / F unit 46, an operation unit 47, a display unit 48, and an engine unit. 49. These components are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to transmit and receive data.

  The control unit 41 is a CPU that controls each device, calculates data, and processes in the computer. The control unit 41 is an arithmetic device that executes a program stored in the main storage unit 42, receives data from the input device or the storage device, calculates and processes the data, and outputs the data to the output device or the storage device.

  The main storage unit 42 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as an OS and application software that are basic software executed by the control unit 41. It is.

  The auxiliary storage unit 43 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and is a storage device that stores data related to application software and the like.

  The external recording device I / F unit 44 is an interface between the MFP 40 and a recording medium 45 (for example, a flash memory) connected via a data transmission path such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  Further, a predetermined program is stored in the recording medium 45, the program stored in the recording medium 45 is installed in the MFP 40 via the external recording device I / F unit 44, and the installed predetermined program is executed by the MFP 40. It becomes possible.

  The network I / F unit 46 has a communication function connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. This is an interface between the device and the MFP 40.

  The operation unit 47 and the display unit 48 include a key switch (hard key) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) having a touch panel function (including GUI software keys: Graphical User Interface), and use the functions of the MFP 40. It is a display and / or input device that functions as a UI (User Interface).

  The engine unit 49 serves as an input / output unit for image data and reads a paper document and prints it on a transfer sheet. The engine unit 49 may include a scanner engine, a search engine, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the image distribution device 50 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the image distribution device 50 includes a control unit 51, a main storage unit 52, an auxiliary storage unit 53, an external recording device I / F unit 54, a network I / F unit 56, an input unit 57, and a display unit 58. including. These components are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to transmit and receive data.

  The control unit 51 is a CPU that controls each device, calculates data, and processes in the computer. The control unit 51 is an arithmetic device that executes a program stored in the main storage unit 52. The control unit 51 receives data from the input device or the storage device, calculates and processes the data, and outputs the data to the output device or the storage device.

  The main storage unit 52 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as an OS and application software that are basic software executed by the control unit 51. It is.

  The auxiliary storage unit 53 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and is a storage device that stores data related to application software or the like.

  The external recording device I / F unit 54 is an interface between the image distribution device 50 and a recording medium 55 (for example, a flash memory) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  Further, a predetermined program is stored in the recording medium 55, and the program stored in the recording medium 55 is installed in the image distribution device 50 via the external recording device I / F unit 54, and the installed predetermined program is It can be executed by the image distribution apparatus 50.

  The network I / F unit 56 has a communication function connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. This is an interface between the device and the image distribution apparatus 50.

  The input unit 57 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input, various function keys, and the like, a mouse and a slice pad for performing key selection on the display screen of the display unit 58, and the like. The input unit 57 is a user interface for a user to give an operation instruction to the control unit 51 and input data.

  The display unit 58 includes a CRT, an LCD, or the like, and performs display according to display data input from the control unit 51. The business management server 30 and the information processing terminals 10 and 20 also have the same hardware as the image distribution device 30.

<Function>
1. Business Management Server FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the business management server 30 in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the business management server 30 includes a communication unit 101, a reception unit 103, a lending unit 105, a return unit 107, a search unit 109, and a DB 111.

  The communication unit 101 transmits / receives data to / from an external device. For example, the communication unit 101 transmits and receives data related to the business of the library with the information processing terminals 10 and 20. The communication unit 101 receives a library business execution request from the image distribution system 2 or transmits bibliographic information of a book to the image distribution system 2.

  The accepting means 103 accepts new books. The receiving means 103 acquires the input value of the bibliographic information input by the library staff and registers it in the DB 111. The bibliographic information includes, for example, the publication date of the book, the author name, the publisher, and the international standard book number (ISBN).

  The lending unit 105 manages lending of books. The lending unit 105 associates, for example, user information for identifying a user read by a bar code reader and the unique identification information given by the library, and registers them in the lending management database. This identification information is converted into a barcode or the like and given to the book. User information and book identification information are transmitted from, for example, the information processing terminal 10 which is a lending terminal.

  The return means 107 is an application for managing return of books. For example, the return unit 107 acquires the identification information of a book read by a barcode reader or the like, and deletes information associated with the identification information from the lending management database. For example, the identification information of the book is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 20 that is a return terminal.

  The search means 109 performs a book search process. The search unit 109 searches for a book having a predetermined key from the DB 111 based on the predetermined key. The predetermined key is, for example, one or a plurality of bibliographic information such as an author name and a publisher name.

  Further, each function of the library business such as the accepting unit 103, the lending unit 105, the returning unit 107, and the searching unit 109 executes processing in the function even when a processing request is received from the image distribution system 2.

  The DB 111 is a database that manages the bibliographic information of books. The DB 111 stores bibliographic information and identification information of books in association with each other.

  The receiving unit 103, the lending unit 105, the returning unit 107, and the searching unit 109 can be realized by, for example, the control unit or the main storage unit of the business management server 30. The communication unit 101 can be realized by, for example, the network I / F unit of the business management server 30.

2. MFP
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the MFP 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the MFP 40 includes an image reading unit 201, a distribution control unit 203, a communication unit 205, a job selection unit 207, a display control unit 209, and a user information acquisition unit 211. Other printer functions, copy functions, FAX functions, etc., which are included in general MFPs are not shown.

  The image reading unit 201 reads a book by a scan function and acquires image data. The image data may be acquired by FAX or acquired from a hot folder on the network. For example, it is assumed that the image reading unit 201 reads a page on which bibliographic information of a book is described. Further, the image reading means 201 may read a cover or back cover to which a barcode converted from book identification information is added.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a page on which bibliographic information is described. The image reading unit 201 reads a page as shown in FIG. 6 and outputs this image data to the communication unit 205. The bibliographic information shown in FIG. 6 includes the date of issue, author, issuer, print shop, and ISBN.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the distribution control unit 203 receives a distribution flow designation from the user. The distribution control unit 203 acquires selectable distribution flows from the storage unit 311 of the image distribution apparatus 50. The distribution flow is designated using the operation panel (the operation unit 47 and the display unit 48) of the MFP 40. The distribution control unit 203 makes a distribution request to the image distribution apparatus 50 via the communication unit 205 so that the image data is distributed according to the designated distribution flow.

  At this time, bibliographic information of processing included in the distribution flow may be input from the user. The bibliographic information is, for example, an image format or image size in the case of image conversion processing, and a mail address of a distribution destination in the case of mail distribution. Further, ISBN may be input as bibliographic information. However, the bibliographic information of the books to be scanned is acquired by the image distribution device 50 as described later.

  A communication unit 205 transmits / receives device information, image data, and the like to / from an external device. The communication unit 205 transmits the image data and the processing request to the image distribution apparatus 50 when a distribution flow processing request for the image data is requested from the distribution control unit 203. Further, when the communication unit 205 receives a book search result from the image distribution device 50, the communication unit 205 outputs the search result to the display control unit 209. Further, the search result may be printed by the printer engine (engine unit 19) as well as displayed.

  The job selection means 207 receives a job selection in the library job management system 1. For example, the job selection unit 207 instructs the display control unit 209 to display a job selection screen. Further, the job selection unit 207 receives a job selected by the user.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a library service selection screen. As shown in FIG. 7, an acceptance button, a lending button, a return button, and a search button are displayed. The job selection unit 207 detects the pressing of the button, and transmits a job processing request corresponding to the pressed button to the image distribution apparatus 50 via the communication unit 205.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the display control unit 209 performs display control of various screens. For example, the display control unit 209 controls display of a library operation selection screen and a search result screen searched by the library operation management system 1.

  The user information acquisition unit 211 acquires user information for permitting use of the MFP 40. The user information acquisition unit 211 acquires user information read by, for example, a card reader attached to the MFP 40. The user information is transmitted to the image distribution apparatus 50 via the communication unit 205 as necessary. The user information is information for identifying the user.

  The image reading unit 201 can be realized by a scanner of the engine unit 49. The distribution control unit 203, the display control unit 209, and the user information acquisition unit 211 can be realized by the control unit 41 and the main storage unit 42 as a work memory, for example. The communication unit 205 can be realized, for example, by controlling the network I / F unit 46 by the control unit 41. The job selection unit 207 can be realized by the control unit 41, the operation unit 47, and the like, for example.

3. Image Distribution Device FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the image distribution device 50. As shown in FIG.
The image distribution apparatus 50 includes a distribution flow management unit 301, a communication unit 303, a distribution unit 304, a storage unit 311, a bibliographic information acquisition unit 313, a business request unit 315, a character recognition unit 317, and an identifier reading unit 319.

  The distribution flow management unit 301 stores the set distribution flow in the storage unit 311 in the XML format, for example, when a user sets a distribution flow that arbitrarily combines plug-ins for image conversion processing or output processing. The distribution flow management unit 301 controls a UI screen for setting a distribution flow displayed on the information processing terminal. The distribution flow management unit 301 also functions as a management tool for the image distribution system 2.

  A communication unit 303 transmits and receives device information and image data. The communication unit 303 receives image data from the MFP 40 and transmits image data subjected to image processing to a distribution destination in the distribution flow.

  The communication unit 303 also receives distribution flow identification information, bibliographic information of each process of the distribution flow, and the like from the MFP 40. When the communication unit 303 receives a distribution flow processing request (job request) from the MFP 40, the communication unit 303 outputs identification information of the distribution flow, bibliographic information of each processing of the distribution flow, and the like to the job execution unit 305.

  When the communication unit 303 receives a job processing request in the library job management system 1 from the MFP 40, the communication unit 303 notifies the job request unit 315 to that effect. When the communication unit 303 receives a transmission request for a book search result from the job request unit 315, the communication unit 303 transmits the search result to the MFP 40.

  The distribution unit 304 performs image data distribution processing according to the distribution flow. The distribution flow is a processing flow that combines the processes until image data is output. The distribution unit 304 includes a job execution unit 305, a distribution flow control unit 307, and a distribution flow processing unit 309.

  The job execution unit 305 executes a job requested from the MFP 40. The job execution unit 305 makes a distribution flow processing request to the distribution flow control unit 307, and outputs distribution flow identification information, bibliographic information of each process of the distribution flow, and image data.

  When the distribution flow control unit 307 receives a distribution flow processing request from the job execution unit 305, the distribution flow control unit 307 controls the execution of each process included in the distribution flow.

  When the distribution flow processing unit 309 receives a distribution flow control instruction from the distribution flow control unit 307, the distribution flow processing unit 309 executes the distribution flow according to the instruction and performs distribution processing. In other words, the distribution flow processing unit 309 executes each process included in the distribution flow in the order of flow and distributes the image data to the distribution destination.

  Each process performed by the distribution flow processing unit 309 is divided into an image conversion process, an output process (distribution process), and the like. The image conversion process refers to a process for performing format conversion of image data such as PDF conversion and TIFF conversion. The output process refers to a process of distributing acquired image data or image converted image data to a distribution destination (such as a mail distribution server or an image management server). Further, it is assumed that at least output processing is performed in the distribution flow processing means 309.

  When the distribution flow to be executed is a distribution flow for distributing image data of a book, the distribution unit 304 acquires image data to which bibliographic information is added from the bibliographic information acquisition unit 313, and distributes the image data to the image data. Process.

  The storage unit 311 stores plug-ins for image conversion processing or output processing, and stores one or a plurality of distribution flows in which plug-ins are combined.

  The bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 acquires image data to be distributed from the communication unit 303. The bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 causes the character recognition unit 317 to perform character recognition processing on the acquired image data, and acquires, for example, an ISBN number. Further, the bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 acquires the ISBN number when ISBN is input as bibliographic information in the image data.

  The bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 acquires bibliographic information having this ISBN from the DB 111 of the library business management system 1 using the acquired ISBN as a key. The bibliographic information to be acquired includes, for example, a book name, an author name, a publisher name, and a publication date. In the DB 111, bibliographic information of books arranged in the library is managed. For example, the DB 111 manages bibliographic information such as a book name, ISBN, author name, publisher name, and publication date, and identification information assigned to the book by the library. Library-specific identification information is given to the book using a barcode or the like.

  In addition, when the image data to be distributed includes a barcode, the bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 causes the identifier reading unit 319 to read the barcode and acquire identification information. The bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 may acquire bibliographic information from the DB 111 of the library business management system 1 using this identification information as a key.

  The bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 uses the bibliographic information acquired from the library business management system 1 as bibliographic information of image data to be distributed, and outputs the bibliographic information to the distribution unit 305. Thereby, since the bibliographic information acquired from the library business management system 1 is added to the image data and distributed to the distribution destination, the labor of inputting the bibliographic information can be saved and the work can be simplified.

  The business request unit 315 receives a library business processing request from the MFP 40 via the communication unit 303. Library operations include, for example, acceptance processing, lending processing, return processing, search processing, and the like. Therefore, the business request means 315 is also an acceptance (registration) request means, a lending request means, a return request means, and a search request means. Hereinafter, functions when the business request unit 315 receives any processing request will be described in order.

(1) Acceptance process It is assumed that the user selects the accept button from the selection screen as shown in FIG. The MFP 40 transmits an acceptance processing request to the image distribution apparatus 50 together with the image data of the book. The business request unit 315 acquires image data from the communication unit 303 when receiving an acceptance processing request. The business request unit 315 outputs the acquired image data to the character recognition unit 317, and executes character recognition processing.

  The character recognition unit 317 performs character recognition processing on the image data acquired from the business request unit 315 and acquires bibliographic information. For example, the book name, author name, publisher name, date of publication, etc. are acquired. At this time, characters corresponding to each item are associated with items such as the read book name and author name. Thereby, it becomes possible to register in the DB 111. The character recognition unit 317 outputs the acquired bibliographic information to the business request unit 315.

  The business request unit 315 acquires the bibliographic information from the character recognition unit 317 and transmits an acceptance processing request together with the bibliographic information to the library business management system 1 via the communication unit 303.

  When the acceptance means 103 of the library business management system 1 receives the acceptance processing request together with the bibliographic information from the image distribution system 2, the bibliographic information is registered in the DB 111, and identification information unique to the library is assigned to this book. This identification information may be printed as a barcode and attached to this book.

  Thereby, when the library staff performs the acceptance process, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting the bibliographic information about the book, simplify the work, and support the acceptance process of the library business.

(2) Lending process It is assumed that the user selects a lending button from the selection screen as shown in FIG. The MFP 40 transmits a lending processing request to the image distribution apparatus 50 together with the image data of the book and user information. Upon receiving the lending processing request, the business request unit 315 acquires user information and image data from the communication unit 303. The business request unit 315 outputs the acquired image data to the identifier reading unit 319, and causes the barcode in the image data to be read.

  Here, when requesting the lending process, it is assumed that the barcode given in the library is scanned. That is, this image data includes a barcode.

  The identifier reading means 319 reads the barcode in the image data and acquires the book identification information given to the book by the library. The identifier reading unit 319 outputs the read identification information to the job request unit 315.

  The business request unit 315 acquires identification information from the identifier reading unit 319, and transmits a rental request together with the identification information and user information to the library business management system 1 via the communication unit 303.

  When the lending means 105 of the library business management system 1 receives a lending processing request from the image distribution system 2 together with the book identification information and user information, it registers it in the lending management database. This eliminates the need for library staff to read and rent out barcodes, and allows the user to scan the barcode of the book he wants to borrow by passing the ID card embedded with user information through the card reader of the MFP 40. Lending processing can be performed.

  When the user information is a barcode, the identifier reading unit 319 reads both barcodes by scanning the barcode having the user information at a predetermined position and scanning the barcode of the book at another predetermined position. User information and book identification information are acquired.

  The business request unit 315 can support the lending business even if the user information is a bar code by performing the above-described processing after obtaining the user information and the book identification information from the identifier reading unit 319.

(3) Return processing It is assumed that the user selects the return button from the selection screen as shown in FIG. The MFP 40 transmits a return processing request to the image distribution apparatus 50 together with the image data of the book. Upon receiving a return processing request, the business request unit 315 acquires image data from the communication unit 303. The business request unit 315 outputs the acquired image data to the identifier reading unit 319, and causes the barcode in the image data to be read.

  Here, when requesting a return process, it is assumed that the barcode given by the library has been scanned. That is, the image data includes a barcode.

  The identifier reading unit 319 reads a barcode in the image data and acquires book identification information. The identifier reading unit 319 outputs the read identification information to the job request unit 315.

  The business request unit 315 acquires the identification information of the book from the identifier reading unit 319 and transmits a return request together with the identification information to the library business management system 1 via the communication unit 303.

  When the return unit 107 of the library business management system 1 receives a return request together with the book identification information from the image distribution system 2, the return unit 107 deletes an item related to the identification information from the lending management database. This eliminates the need for library staff to read the barcode and return it, and allows the user to perform the return process by scanning the barcode of the book. This function can support return processing.

(4) Search Processing Assume that the user selects a search button from the selection screen as shown in FIG. The MFP 40 transmits a search processing request to the image distribution apparatus 50 together with the image data of the book. Upon receiving the search processing request, the business request unit 315 acquires image data from the communication unit 303. The business request unit 315 outputs the acquired image data to the character recognition unit 317 and causes the bibliographic information in the image data to be read.

  Here, when a search is requested, it is assumed that a page containing bibliographic information in the vicinity of the last page of the book is scanned. If a library barcode is given, the barcode may be scanned.

  The character recognition unit 317 performs character recognition processing on the image data and acquires bibliographic information. The character recognition unit 317 outputs the recognized bibliographic information to the job request unit 315.

  The business request unit 315 acquires bibliographic information from the character recognition unit 317 and transmits a search request together with the bibliographic information to the library business management system 1 through the communication unit 303.

  When the search unit 109 of the library business management system 1 receives a search request together with bibliographic information from the image distribution system 2, the search unit 109 searches the DB 111 for books having bibliographic information similar to the bibliographic information. The search unit 109 uses bibliographic information of similar books as a search result, and transmits the search result to the job request unit 315 of the image distribution system 2.

  When the business request unit 315 acquires the search result from the library business management system 1, the business request unit 315 transmits the search result to the MFP 40 via the communication unit 303.

  When the display control unit 209 of the MFP 40 acquires the search result from the image distribution device 50, the display result is displayed on the display unit 48. Accordingly, the user can receive a book proposal similar to the bibliographic information by scanning a page on which the bibliographic information of the book is written.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the system in the embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image distribution processing in the embodiment. In step S101, the image reading unit 201 scans a predetermined page of a book by the user and generates image data. At this time, the distribution flow for distributing the book image data is selected.

  In step S <b> 102, the distribution control unit 203 sends a distribution request for the selected distribution flow to the image distribution apparatus 50 together with the image data generated by reading the book.

  In step S <b> 103, the bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 of the image distribution apparatus 50 performs character recognition processing on the image data and acquires ISBN. The bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 acquires the ISBN of the bibliographic information input by the user when the image data is given.

  In step S104, the bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 acquires the bibliographic information of the book having the ISBN from the library business management system 1 using the acquired ISBN as a key. The bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 provides the bibliographic information acquisition unit 313 as the bibliographic information of the image data.

  In step S105, the distribution unit 304 performs a distribution process on the image data to which the bibliographic information acquired from the library business management system 1 is added according to the selected distribution flow.

  Thereby, even if the user does not input the bibliographic information of the book to be scanned, the bibliographic information can be acquired from the library business management system 1, and the bibliographic information can be attached to the image data and distributed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for supporting the business of the library. In step S201 illustrated in FIG. 10, the job selection unit 207 receives a job selected by the user.

  In step S202, the image reading unit 201 scans a predetermined page of the book and generates image data of this page. At this time, if the selected job is accepted, the page on which the bibliographic information is written is scanned. In addition, when the selected business is lending or returning, the barcode given by the library is scanned. When the selected job is a search, either a page on which bibliographic information is described or a barcode is scanned.

  In step S203, the job selection unit 207 determines whether or not the selected job is “rental”. If “rental” has been selected (step S203—YES), the process proceeds to step S204, and if other than “rental” has been selected (step S203—NO), the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S <b> 204, the identifier reading unit 319 reads the barcode of the image data in response to a request from the business request unit 315. Here, it is assumed that the barcode of the user information and the barcode of the identification information of the book are scanned. In step S205, the identifier reading unit 319 acquires user information and book identification information from both barcodes.

  In step S <b> 206, the business request unit 315 acquires user information and book identification information from the identifier reading unit 319. The business request unit 315 transmits a lending request together with the acquired user information and book identification information to the book management business system 1 via the communication unit 303.

  In step S207, the job selection unit 207 determines whether the selected job is “return”. If “return” has been selected (step S207—YES), the process proceeds to step S208. If “return” has not been selected (step S207—NO), the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S <b> 208, the identifier reading unit 319 reads the barcode of the image data in response to a request from the business request unit 315. Here, it is assumed that the barcode of the identification information of the book is scanned. In step S209, the identifier reading unit 319 acquires the identification information of the book.

  In step S <b> 210, the business request unit 315 acquires the identification information of the book from the identifier reading unit 319. The business request unit 315 transmits a return request together with the acquired book identification information to the library business management system 1 via the communication unit 303.

  In step S211, the job selection unit 207 determines whether the selected job is “search”. If “search” has been selected (step S211—YES), the process proceeds to step S212. If “search” has not been selected (step S211—NO), the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S212, the character recognition unit 317 performs character recognition processing on the image data in response to a request from the job request unit 315. Here, it is assumed that the page on which the bibliographic information of the book is written is scanned. In step S213, the character recognition unit 317 acquires bibliographic information of the book.

  In step S <b> 214, the business request unit 315 acquires the bibliographic information of the book from the character recognition unit 317. The business request unit 315 transmits a search request together with the bibliographic information of the acquired book to the library business management system 1 via the communication unit 303.

  In step S215, the job selecting unit 207 determines whether or not the selected job is “accepted”. If “accept” has been selected (step S215—YES), the process proceeds to step S216, and if “accept” has not been selected (step S215—NO), the process ends.

  In step S216, the character recognition unit 317 performs character recognition processing on the image data in response to a request from the job request unit 315. Here, assuming that the page on which the bibliographic information of the book is written is scanned, in step S217, the character recognition unit 317 acquires the bibliographic information of the book.

  In step S 217, the business request unit 315 acquires the bibliographic information of the book from the character recognition unit 317. The business request unit 315 transmits a registration request to the DB 111 together with the acquired bibliographic information of the book to the library business management system 1 via the communication unit 303. Thereby, the input work in the library business of the library staff can be omitted, and the business of the library business management system 1 can be supported from the image distribution system 2.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, the image distribution system and the library business management system can be linked, and the work in each system can be simplified. According to the embodiment, bibliographic information can be omitted by acquiring bibliographic data at the time of image distribution from the library business management system. Further, according to the embodiment, the work of the library staff can be omitted by transmitting the business processing request and necessary information from the image distribution system to the library business management system.

  The destination for acquiring the bibliographic information of the book at the time of image distribution is not limited to the library business management system, and any database having the bibliographic information of the book may be used.

[Modification]
Next, an MFP according to a modification will be described. In the modification, the above-described image distribution apparatus is incorporated in the MFP. Note that the hardware of the MFP in the modification is the same as that in the embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Each function of the MFP in which the image distribution apparatus according to the modification is incorporated is basically the same as the function of the MFP shown in FIG. 5 and the function of the image distribution apparatus shown in FIG. Thereby, according to the MFP in the modification, the processing shown in the embodiment can be performed by the MFP alone.

  The program executed by the image distribution apparatus of the embodiment or the MFP of the modification is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Or the like recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the program executed by the image distribution apparatus according to the embodiment or the MFP according to the modification may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. . In addition, the program executed by the image distribution apparatus according to the embodiment or the MFP according to the modification may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The program executed by the image distribution apparatus according to the embodiment or the MFP according to the modification may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the image distribution apparatus according to the embodiment and the MFP according to the modified example has a module configuration including the above-described units. As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads the program from the auxiliary storage unit. When executed, one or more of the above means are loaded onto the main memory, and one or more of the means are generated on the main memory.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example as it is, A component can be deform | transformed and embodied in the range which does not deviate from the summary in an implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments.

10, 20 Information processing terminal 30 Business management server 40 MFP
50 image distribution apparatus 201 image reading unit 203 distribution control unit 205 communication unit 207 job selection unit 209 display control unit 211 user information acquisition unit 301 distribution flow management unit 303 communication unit 304 distribution unit 305 job execution unit 307 distribution flow control unit 309 distribution Flow processing means 311 Storage means 313 Bibliographic information acquisition means 315 Business request means 317 Character recognition means 319 Identifier reading means

JP 2008-97586 A JP 2006-318212 A

Claims (9)

An image distribution system that stores bibliographic information of books and is connected via a network to a business management system that manages library business.
Reading means for reading a part of a book and generating image data;
Using the information contained in the image data generated by the reading means, obtaining means for obtaining bibliographic information corresponding to the read book from the business management system;
Distribution means for distributing the image data to which the bibliographic information acquired by the acquisition means is attached;
Recognition processing means for performing character recognition processing on the generated image data;
If the acceptance process is selected by the user, the registration request means for requesting the information recognized by the recognition processing means as the bibliographic information of the book and registering the bibliographic information in the business management system;
User information acquisition means for acquiring user information for identifying a user;
When the lending process is selected by the user, the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit and the bibliographic information of the book recognized by the recognition processing unit are associated with each other, and the associated user information and the bibliographic information are used. Lending request means for requesting the business management system to carry out lending processing,
An image distribution system comprising: When a return process is selected by the user, a return request unit that requests the business management system to perform a return process using bibliographic information of a book that has been character-recognized by the recognition processing unit;
The image distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: A search requesting unit for requesting the business management system to search for a book having bibliographic information similar to the bibliographic information of the book whose character has been recognized by the recognition processing unit, when the search process is selected by the user;
Display control means for controlling display of search results acquired from the business management system;
The image distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: An image processing apparatus that stores bibliographic information of books and is connected to a business management system that manages business of a library and an image forming apparatus via a network,
First acquisition means for acquiring image data generated by reading a part of a book from the image forming apparatus;
Second acquisition means for acquiring bibliographic information corresponding to the read book from the business management system using information included in the image data acquired by the acquisition means;
Distribution means for distributing the image data to which the bibliographic information acquired by the second acquisition means is attached;
Recognition processing means for performing character recognition processing on the generated image data;
Registration request means for requesting the business management system to perform registration processing of the bibliographic information, with the information recognized by the recognition processing means as the bibliographic information of the book,
User information acquisition means for acquiring user information for identifying a user from the image forming apparatus;
When the lending process is selected by the user, the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit and the bibliographic information of the book recognized by the recognition processing unit are associated with each other, and the associated user information and the bibliographic information are used. Lending request means for requesting the business management system to carry out lending processing,
An image processing apparatus comprising: When a return process is selected by the user, a return request unit that requests the business management system to perform a return process using bibliographic information of a book that has been character-recognized by the recognition processing unit;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: A search requesting unit for requesting the business management system to search for a book having bibliographic information similar to the bibliographic information of the book whose character has been recognized by the recognition processing unit, when the search process is selected by the user;
Transmitting means for transmitting the search result acquired from the business management system to the image forming apparatus;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: An image processing method in an image distribution system that stores bibliographic information of books and is connected via a network to a business management system that manages the business of a library,
A reading step of reading a part of the book and generating image data;
Using the information included in the image data generated by the reading step, an acquisition step of acquiring bibliographic information corresponding to the read book from the business management system;
A distribution step of distributing the image data provided with the bibliographic information acquired by the acquisition step;
A recognition processing step for performing character recognition processing on the generated image data;
The information recognized in the recognition processing step is set as the bibliographic information of the book, requesting the business management system to perform registration processing of the bibliographic information, and providing a process related to library business acceptance work;
A user information acquisition step for acquiring user information for identifying the user;
When the lending process is selected by the user, the user information acquired in the user information acquisition step is associated with the bibliographic information of the book that has been character-recognized in the recognition processing step, and the associated user information and the bibliographic information are used. Requesting the business management system to perform lending processing and providing processing related to library business lending business;
An image processing method. An image processing program that is executed by an image processing apparatus that stores bibliographic information of a book and manages an operation of a library and an image processing apparatus connected via an image forming apparatus,
A first acquisition step of acquiring image data generated by reading a part of a book from the image forming apparatus;
A second acquisition step of acquiring bibliographic information corresponding to the read book from the library business management system using information included in the image data acquired by the acquisition step;
A distribution step of distributing the image data provided with the bibliographic information acquired in the second acquisition step;
A recognition processing step for performing character recognition processing on the generated image data;
The information recognized in the recognition processing step is set as the bibliographic information of the book, requesting the business management system to perform registration processing of the bibliographic information, and providing a process related to library business acceptance work;
A user information acquisition step for acquiring user information for identifying the user;
When the lending process is selected by the user, the user information acquired in the user information acquisition step is associated with the bibliographic information of the book that has been character-recognized in the recognition processing step, and the associated user information and the bibliographic information are used. Requesting the business management system to perform lending processing and providing processing related to library business lending business;
An image processing program for causing an image processing apparatus to execute the above.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the image processing program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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